To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many(a) arrests and (b) convictions there have been for criminal activity connected to animal rights protesters in each year since 1999; [172636]

It is not possible from the information collected centrally by the Home Office to identify whether a defendant is an animal rights protestor. However, we understand from the police that there were 117 arrests of animal rights activists during the first four months of 2004 compared with 15 arrests during the same period in 2003. The Home Office is working with the police and other agencies to improve availability of information in this area.

Home Office Ministers are, however, willing to meet groups prepared to engage in reasoned debate and discussion about the use of animals in scientific procedures, whatever their point of view, provided they do not support extremist activity. Ministers have, therefore, met groups involved with the protection of animals, such as the RSPCA, as well as groups opposed to animal experimentation, such as the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection, the National Anti-Vivisection Society, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Uncaged Campaigns. Animal Aid and Naturewatch, and organisations seeking humane alternatives to animal experiments, such as the Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments.

Similarly, Ministers have met a wide variety of industry and science groups with an interest in the use of animals in scientific procedures, including Amicus MSF, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, the Association of Medical Research Charities, the BioIndustry Association, the BioSciences Federation, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Institute of Animal Technicians, the Japanese Pharmaceutical Group, the Laboratory Animals Breeders Association, the Laboratory Animals Science Association, the Laboratory Animals Veterinary Association, the Medical Research Council and the Research Defence Society

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans there are to make(a) harassment, (b) intimidation and (c) terrorism against companies, or conspiracy to carry out these acts, specific offences; [172642]

(2) what plans there are to change the law relating to harassment, with particular reference to harassment by animal rights protesters. [172643]

It is a key part of the Government's strategy in tackling animal rights extremism to identify new legislative powers where needed. Police must have the right powers to do the job, but legislation needs to be accompanied by robust enforcement.

There is a range of legislation currently available to deal with extremism. We recently made changes to strengthen police powers to deal with intimidatory protests and office occupations in Anti Social Behaviour Act.

We are looking carefully at what further changes might be made to strengthen police powers to deal with protests outside someone's home and protecting companies from harassment.

The Home Office has provided the police with additional funding to assist with additional costs arising from animal rights protests. The Home Office is also funding a new unit to co-ordinate the tactical response to extremism.